Updated for the week of May 7, 2021
MESSAGE FROM THE DIRECTOR
Hi Everyone,

We were very happy to see the gardeners from the County Properties team here working on our gardens out front this past week. We also had a great crew of some staff who worked on the interior gardens this week with beautiful results. Now to be patient a few more weeks before we add the flowers.

It is a sad reality that this is our second Mother’s Day that we are celebrating during COVID pandemic. We will be having special Mother’s Day activities occurring leading up to and on Mother’s Day. (fun Mary Kay spa day pictures from yesterday later in the newsletter)

We are going to trial opening up the times when your rapid antigen test can be done at the Home. We are hopeful that we can manage this as we recognize that this will be very helpful to many of you who are struggling to get to the Home during the designated times. We will now be available to do your rapid antigen test Mon- Wed between 10am – 7pm. We would love to hear your feedback on this change. 

We are happy to share some significant changes to a Ministry Directive that was released this week. The Ministry acknowledged the significant positive impact the COVID vaccination program is having in LTC Homes for staff and residents across the province. There are many changes and clarifications throughout this document that we have reviewed. Some of these changes take effect right away while others are staggered and home dependent.
The immediate changes that you will note at JMPC are as follows:

  •  All those coming into the Home are required to wear eye protection at all times. (we have not strayed from this since our brief outbreak, so this will not be a change for JMPC)

  • There are updated screening questions that you will be asked commencing May 7 2021.

  • You will no longer be required to answer any questions or take your temperature upon exiting the building, but we will still be tracking the time of your departure for contact tracing purposes.

  • During the Provincial Stay at Home Order, residents (like all of us within Ontario) are now also permitted to leave their home with or without their designated essential caregiver. The designated essential caregiver will be required to have the required COVID testing (PCR/Rapid Antigen testing) when they pick up their resident. The absences are permitted for the following reasons:

o  To attend important medical appointments
o  To get exercise outside
o  To get essential groceries
o  To get essential pharmacy items

(It is our hope that these last two outing types will be very limited to keep unnecessary
exposure risks low, given that JMPC does ensure food/pharmacy items for residents)

Another immediate improvement affects new admissions. Moving forward, residents who move in and are fully vaccinated will only require a negative PCR test and will no longer require the 14 days of isolation. For new admissions who only have a single vaccine dose, they will be in isolation for 10 days (instead of the previous 14 days). We know that this has been very difficult for newly admitted residents so this is a significant improvement.
 
Once the Provincial Stay at Home Order is lifted, there are some additional improvements that you will see. They include the addition of 2 types of Outings (both types of outings will require advance approval of the LTC Home):

o  Short Term Outings – Leaving the property for social or other reason but not overnight
o  Temporary Outing – Leaving the property and includes overnight of one or more
nights. (no isolation of 14 days upon return)
 
Another improvement that will be implemented depending on the vaccination status of each individual LTC Home will not affect JMPC until late June. With this change, Homes must meet a minimum threshold of 85% of residents fully vaccinated (both doses) AND at least 70% of staff fully vaccinated (both doses). The term “fully vaccinated” is defined to mean having received both doses and includes 14 days following the second dose. Once homes meet this threshold further restrictions can be lifted. At JMPC we do meet the criteria as it applies to resident’s full vaccination status at this point. Unfortunately, staff (similar to essential caregivers), were held off from receiving their second dose for up to 16 weeks. As a result most of the staff’s second vaccine dose is not until mid June. (In speaking to many essential caregivers, this is the same experience that you are also having).

Some of the changes that will be occurring once we meet the Fully Vaccinated status (approx. late June as it is 14 days after the second dose) include:

  •  Freedom of movement throughout the Home for essential caregivers.
  •  Essential Caregivers joining in on resident programs again.
  •  General Visitors entering the Home (the extent of this is unclear at this time)
 
I will continue to advocate to Public Health the importance of getting our staff (and essential caregivers) fully vaccinated as quickly as possible so that we can implement these improvements that fully support the social and emotional needs of the residents.
 
I realize that this is a lot of information to take in. Please reach out if you have any questions at all. There is a never ending flow of documents coming at us and it is challenging for everyone. 
 
For now, it looks like perfect weather on Sunday for the essential caregivers to go for a walk outside with their loved one. Should you happen to run into anyone while on your outing, please ensure to maintain physical distancing, and that face coverings are in place.

If this is your first time reading our newsletter, I would encourage you to go to this link where you will find the previous newsletters should you wish to view them. Should you ever not want to receive these newsletters, please follow the prompts on the newsletter at the bottom to unsubscribe. Also, if you ever feel that you would prefer to not have a picture of your loved one included in our Family Newsletter, please reach out to Bobbie-Joe at bblackburn@lennox-addington.on.ca or by calling at ext 7224.

Angela Malcolm
Director
Celebrating our newest Centenarian!
Celebrating our newest Centenarian, Anna Eheler who celebrated on May 6.(facebook link) She tells us that it is hard work and her faith in God that has given her a long and healthy life. She was treated with her favourite Lemon Meringue Pie for supper but then, also really likes Apple Crisp. Soooooo, who should have to choose when they turn 100? Anna had both! 
Happy Birthday Anna!
Anna had a candlelight dinner with her friends
complete with her dessert choices!
Question of the Day
Can I take my loved one for a walk around the neighborhood if I am the essential caregiver?
 
Yes. You definitely can. Residents are free to go outside for exercise purposes.

Pharmacy Vaccination Clinics (age group 40+)
Local pharmacies participating in the COVID-19 vaccine pharmacy clinic pilot are now listed on the KFLA Public Health website. Contact the pharmacy directly to book an appointment. Please do not call KFL&A Public Health. Appointments are only currently available for those 40+
Provincial Vaccine Booking (age group 50+)
Booking online using the provincial online vaccine booking tool offers the fastest access to available clinic appointments. At this time only adults 50 years of age and older (born 1971 or earlier) are eligible. 

We know everyone is eager to receive the vaccine, but we are asking those not yet eligible to avoid accessing the booking tool or calling the service desk.

Call 1-833-943-3900 (TTY 1-866-797-0007), open daily from 8:00 a.m. to 8 p.m. if you require assistance with booking or have questions about COVID-19 vaccines.
COVID-19 Testing for Essential Caregivers
You are required to have 2 COVID tests each week. 
 
You will need your regular COVID swab that you have at a COVID Assessment Centre which you will need to have at some point between Wednesday and Sunday each week. (please do not have your tests on back to back days)  
 
The second swab is the Rapid Antigen Test which will be done at JMPC. We will be offering this test on Monday’s, Tuesday’s and Wednesday’s at the times listed below:
 
10:00am – 7:00pm each day
 
NOTE: Shift Change will result in delays for non-staff.
Shift change that occurs during testing times are 2:30 and 6:30pm
 
Exception: If you visit only once per week then you only require the one weekly COVID swab from the COVID Assessment Centre.
 
The Rapid Antigen Test must be done here at JMPC and will take place in the tea room area. Staff will provide you direction at the time. This test is strictly a surveillance screening test for those who present without symptoms. It is viewed as an addition to the screening tool process.

Should an individual test positive using this Rapid Antigen test, you would need to have a PCR test completed at the Assessment Center to confirm the positive diagnosis.  
Perishable Items: Food being brought in for a resident must be in a container that can be wiped down with our wipes and they will then be delivered to your resident right away.
 
All other items will be kept for 24 hours prior to being taken to the resident.
What's New at JMPC
What's New at JMPC
 
Menu
  • Here is the week’s menu for May 10 - May 16, 2021
 
Program
  • Here is the week’s program schedule commencing May 9 - May 15, 2021

  • Here is the week’s program schedule for Lilac Knoll commencing May 9 - May 15, 2021
What does the evidence say?
Evidence clearly shows that there are multiple benefits demonstrating the value of caregiver presence, including:
Improved safety and quality of care for residents, specifically:
  • Decreased risk of falls​
  • Improved physical and psychological well-being
  • Decreased rates of depression
  • Reduced social isolation
  • Better staff morale and improved communication across teams
Absences from the Home
During the Provincial Stay at Home Order in place, the following absences are permitted:
·        Medical absences for urgent medical appointments.
·        Absences for outdoor exercise on or off JMPC property.
·        Essential absences for groceries or pharmacy items only.
Manager Point of Contact
To Obtain Approval for Outings and for General Inquiries related to COVID restrictions:
In an effort to streamline this process for you, we have attached a form that you can email to a specific manager based on the resident's Home area. Alternatively, if you would prefer, you can phone the appropriate manager and they will assist you. 
Mandatory Training Videos
Training videos are mandatory for you to watch prior to entering the building
A component of the Directives that the Ministry released includes a mandatory requirement for Homes to ensure that Essential Caregivers coming into the Home receive training on putting on and taking off PPE as well as training on effective hand washing. Below are the 2 video clips for you to view. You will be asked to confirm at the screening table that you have watched these 2 videos prior to entering.
 
Here are short video clips to resources that will help you to understand how to use PPE properly and how to effectively hand wash.
 
 
 
This training needs to be completed prior to your first visit and then monthly thereafter.
COVID-19 PCR Testing
You will require an appointment.
 
You can pre-book your weekly appointment online here.
 
Greater Napanee COVID-19 Assessment Centre
 
Westdale campus at 12 Richmond Park Drive, Napanee.
 
Hours are 8:30-3:30 seven days a week.
 
The link to access your results for this testing is here.
Infection Control from the Desk of Emily Sarley
‌Wearing eye protection, masks and hand sanitizer remain our best defense during this pandemic. Please also encourage/support residents who are leaving the building to also wear a mask for their safety as well.
Essential Caregiver Designation
The Ministry of Long Term Care updated visiting policy requires written documentation that supports the essential caregiver designation. As a result, we have created a PDF form that you can open electronically and fill in the blanks. There are a couple of options to return the form to us via email or fax. Alternatively, we will have hard copies of this document available with the screeners at JMPC where you can complete and drop off to them.  

Essential Caregivers must submit this form to be approved as an essential caregiver prior to their visit in order to be permitted into the Home. 
 
Should the resident/POA wish to change an essential caregiver, a new form will need to be submitted in advance.  
ZOOM Visits
Zoom is a great way to connect with your loved one.   
 It allows you to see each other while talking together.
Book your Zoom Visits online using Picktime! 
We ask that visits be scheduled a day ahead, and that weekend requests are completed by Friday at 2pm. For zoom visits, you will receive a confirmation email first. Then, 1 day prior to your zoom visit you will receive the zoom link emailed to you from the Home. 

Please book your window and/or zoom visit using this link: https://www.picktime.com/JMPC 
 
If you have any questions or unable to access this online tool, please call 613-354-3306 and someone will help you Mon-Fri during business hours. 

Need to Cancel your Booked Visit?  
The booking site doesn’t have that feature to cancel yourself online unfortunately. So to cancel an appointment: Please contact Colleen. Please email her at cyork@lennox-addington.on.ca or call Earline at reception during business hours(main line) 
Message from the Chair of Family Council
Family Council is composed of family and friends of the residents of the John M. Parrot Centre and dedicated to the promotion and improvement of the health, welfare and happiness of all residents at the John M. Parrot Centre.
 
Family Council, a time for sharing, caring and supporting.

Q. Why has the Home stopped organizing the Window visit by the front door?

A. This is the only window that we coordinate visits for. Unfortunately, we were told By Public Health that this contravened the Provincial Stay at Home order in place so we were required to stop.  

Q. I thought the single elevator was only for families? How much infection control cleaning are these frequently used areas receiving?

A. The single elevator is primarily for families, however, some residents will use this elevator from time to time and given that it is their Home we have no concerns with this. Staff largely use the double elevators as well but there will be occasions when they may use the single elevator as well. If at any time you do not feel comfortable getting on the elevator while someone else is in it, certainly feel free to wait for the car to return to you when it is empty. Our maximum capacity for each elevator is 3 people. This ensures appropriate physical distancing can occur. Our elevators are wiped down every single hour between 6:30am and 11pm every day. They also are cloroxed twice daily. All high touch areas on the main level common areas are wiped down every hour every day same as the elevator schedule. 

Please feel free to reach out to me if you have concerns or simply need a listening ear.
 
Take Care,
Gwen 
 
Gwen Babcock
Alzheimer's Society
Around the Home
Kentucky Derby JMPC style –We played derby music, and residents paired up with their derby horse! The residents then won parrott bucks!!
We thought we would join in on the fun of the friendly Sign Wars happening in Kingston. So we challenged Friendly Manor!
The tuck shop is definitely a hopping spot when it opens each week!
On May 6 MacDonald Hall was turned into a relaxing spa complete with spa music. We were able to spend the afternoon doing Mary Kay face and eye mask treatments along with hand massages for the JMPC Ladies. This was possible through a family donation that was very appreciated. 
Forms That You May Require
  • Paper Copies of the Weekly Newsletter – Available at the Resource Centre right behind the screeners. 
  • Essential Caregiver Designation Form – Click here
  • Short term or Temporary Absence Request Form – Click here
Link to Book Your Visit Via Zoom
Video Links You May Find Helpful
Step by step video on “How to book a window, zoom and garden visit online”: https://1drv.ms/v/s!ApuSaYTZPHmmgVPq1RIryBmiSoC2
COVID-19 Testing
COVID-19 Testing
If you develop COVID symptoms please go to your nearest Assessment Centre
for testing right away.
Greater Napanee COVID-19 Assessment Centre
 
Westdale campus at 12 Richmond Park Drive, Napanee.
 
You will require an appointment. You can pre-book your appointment online here.
 
Hours are 8:30-3:30 seven days a week.
 
The link to access your results for this testing is here.
Resources & Contacts
 
Ministry of Long Term Care Family Support Line 
1-866-434-0144  
This line is available to raise concerns or ask questions related to LTC homes across Ontario and is staffed seven days a week from 8:30am – 7:00pm
 
CONTACTS
  • Angela Malcolm, Director (Ext. 7222)
  • Carol Corcoran, Manager of Nursing (Ext. 7226)
  • Emily Sarley, Assistant Manager of Nursing (Ext. 7227)
  • Carolyn McConnell, RAI Supervisor (Ext. 7259)
  • Candice McMullen, Resident Services Coordinator (Ext. 7223)
  • Shane McKenny, Environmental Services Coordinator (Ext. 7230)
  • Kristin Richmond, Food Services Supervisor (Ext. 7228)
  • Stephanie Alp, Dietitian/P.T. Food Services Supervisor (Ext. 7229)
  • Bobbie-Joe Blackburn, Administrative Supervisor (Ext. 7224)
  • Michelle Hickey, Behavioural Support Nurse (Ext. 7237)